Posted September 22, 2005

     Many recent events, especially the response (or lack of it) to Hurricane Katrina, have highlighted one of America’s most significant problems – our own bureaucracies. 

     That became apparent with the 9-11 disaster in 2001.  Despite a paper trail of intelligence findings, a number of warnings about al Qaeda, and proof that terrorists were receiving pilot training in the U.S., no action was taken.  Certainly, the security at Logan Airport was insufficient.  “Lack-of-action” is a key trait of  bureaucracies out of control.

     Another trait is the “it’s-not-my-job” response.  Recently, the Boston Herald exposed the blatant drug use and trafficking on the Boston Common, which was occurring in plain sight near children’s play areas in broad daylight.  You would be justified in saying, “Incredible!”

     Here’s an additional sidelight.  Mounted police patrol the Common.  A staffer from South Boston Online happened to be on Boston Common just prior to the Herald article and asked a mounted cop why he wasn’t stopping the drug usage.  His reply: “That’s the job of the Narcotics Unit.”

     It took a drug death and headlines to get action.  Mayor Menino and Commissioner O’Toole were hideously embarrassed by their bureaucracies – as they should have been.  As of this writing, the Common is squeaky clean – as it should have been in the first place.

     Corruption, including patronage and the creation of “no-show” jobs, is also a characteristic of bureaucracies.  Just look at the United Nations.  The Volcker Report was a scathing document.  Many have criticized John Bolton, our new Ambassador to the U.N., because he’s outspoken and opinionated.  But at least he’s honest, which is more than can be said for the U.N. leadership and the U.N. bureaucracies.  And don’t kid yourself.  The U.N.’s actions affect all of us here in America.

     There’s also another unmistakable feature of bureaucracies: “fingerpointing” or its kissin’ cousin, “making excuses”.  Have you ever heard the sayings, “They should have done something about it long ago.” or “I told them about that last year.”  Here at South Boston Online, we have never been able to figure out who “they” and “them” are.

     The elected officials involved in the bungled response to Hurricane Katrina have tried to wriggle off the hook by fingerpointing, but in this case it won’t work.  Jesse Jackson and his ilk tried to blame racism for Katrina’s effects, conveniently avoiding the fact that New Orleans’ Mayor, Chief City Councilor, Police Chief, and U.S. Representative are all black.

     In fact, local, state, and federal bureaucracies all failed.  Mayor Ray Nagin failed to address well-known flaws in his city’s evacuation plans.  Governor Kathleen Blanco failed to permit out-of-state doctors to practice in the Louisiana disaster areas.  President Bush finally admitted that the feds had failed, and then apologized.

     But Bush was responsible for Michael Brown’s patronage appointment to FEMA.  If Brown’s shortcomings hadn’t been so serious, he would have been laughable.  He looked like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming eighteen-wheeler.  That’s political and bureaucratic patronage for you.  Shame on you, Mr. President.

     Other marks of bureaucracy – “the enemy within” - include a lack of courtesy, disrespect for private citizens, long lines, disorganization, clutter, lost documents, and so on – but you know that.  What can we do?  Let your elected officials know what you, the voters, are thinking, such as “Maybe it’s time for new elected officials.”  And politely fight “the good fight”.  If you are mistreated, insist on speaking to bureaucrats’ bosses, write to the newspapers, and above all, don’t accept poor results.

Good luck!